Diabetic food exchange lists allow patients to build a well–balanced diet that offers a variety of choices. The foods that make up these lists are divided into several categories, and any item within a category can be substituted for another food on that list.

The number and kind of exchanges that people can have at each meal will be determined by their physician and registered dietitian. The patient’s age, sex, weight, height, consistent activity levels and personal eating styles will all be considered.

The American Diabetes Association has grouped foods into the following categories:

Cooked legumes (e.g., dried beans, lentils, peas) count as one starch and one very lean meat.